Five CNG cars under Rs 10 lakh compared on boot space, with Maruti Fronx CNG at the top

Fuel saving is the biggest concern when buying a CNG car. But the saving counts for less if there is no room for luggage on a family trip. The CNG cylinder cuts into boot space, a problem that troubles many buyers.

Carmakers have responded with dual-cylinder models and different CNG tank layouts, so CNG cars now offer better luggage room. In 2026, options include the Tata Punch iCNG, the Hyundai Exter Hy-CNG Duo and the Maruti Fronx S-CNG.

The Tata Punch CNG is a popular car in the micro SUV segment. Its CNG variant comes with factory-fitted dual cylinders and a boot space of 210 litres, against 366 litres in the petrol variant. The company claims a mileage of 24 to 27.5 km per kg. An AMT gearbox is also available. The ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 7.86 lakh to Rs 9.79 lakh.

The Hyundai Exter CNG also has dual cylinders. This micro SUV has a boot space of 225 litres, against 391 litres in the petrol variant. Space shrinks with CNG, but the dual-cylinder layout leaves relatively good room. The ARAI-certified mileage is 27.1 km per kg and the ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8.94 lakh.

Among the five, the Maruti Suzuki Fronx CNG has the most boot space. It can carry up to 250 litres, about 60 litres less than the petrol model. Even so, the Fronx holds more luggage than the other CNG cars. Maruti Suzuki is also offering an underbody CNG tank in some of its cars. If the Fronx CNG gets such a design in future, boot space could increase further. Its ARAI-certified mileage is 28.51 km per kg and the ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 7.79 lakh to Rs 9.28 lakh.

The Nissan Magnite can be bought with a CNG kit. The CNG variant has a boot space of 225 litres, against 336 litres in the petrol model. The company claims a mileage of 24 km per kg. The ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 6.43 lakh to Rs 9.14 lakh.

The Renault Kwid is a low-budget car, and a retrofitted CNG kit fitted at the dealer level is available for it. The CNG variant has a boot space of 200 litres, against 279 litres in the petrol model. An AMT gearbox is also available with CNG on the Kwid. The company claims a mileage of 28 to 32 km per kg. The ex-showroom price ranges from Rs 4.53 lakh to Rs 6.62 lakh.

On the available figures, the Fronx CNG ranks first for boot space. The Hyundai Exter CNG and Nissan Magnite CNG follow with 225 litres each, then the Tata Punch CNG with 210 litres and the Renault Kwid CNG with 200 litres.

It is not advisable to decide on boot space and mileage alone. Buyers should also look at how the CNG cylinder is laid out in the car, and whether the company fitted the cylinders at the factory or a CNG kit was installed at the dealer level. If possible, before buying, buyers should place the luggage they usually carry in the boot to check the fit. That will show which car is more convenient for long family trips and daily use.